Wednesday, October 13, 2010

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today launched the Inmate Locator web page, an online database designed to help family members find an inmate in California’s prison system.

“Inmates who stay connected with family members are often more motivated to change their behavior, leading to an overall increase in public safety,” said CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate. “This new tool will make it more convenient for the public to locate, write and visit incarcerated family members and friends.”

Inmates in California are transferred from prison to prison for a number of reasons, including for their own protection, protection of other inmates or staff, or a change in their custody level. The database, which is updated weekly, helps concerned family members keep track of an inmate’s whereabouts.

“This will be a tremendous benefit for families to remain in contact with an incarcerated family member,” said CDCR Associate Director Debra Herndon, who oversees the Department’s inmate family council. “Not only does it help the inmate, but it also helps children connect with a parent who may be in prison.”

Visitors to the website can search by an inmate’s name or CDCR number to learn in which institution the inmate is currently housed. There are also driving directions. The website also includes helpful links on visitation guidelines.

Before traveling, visitors should contact the institution for current visiting information. If the inmate’s location cannot be found on the web page, the public should contact the Department's Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. Historical information and release dates are not available.